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Lions Lowdown

Join us for a live chat at 3 p.m. on Thursday to discuss the Lions just after they wrap up their final day of mandatory minicamp. Bring your questions and comments. It's always interesting and you never know who will join in.

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Welcome to today's chat on the Lions. They wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp just before lunch today. I was at all three session. Ask away if you have questions on anything and I'll try my best to answer them. Let's have some fun ...

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:01:46 PM

If you haven't heard, the CB Bill Bentley was cut today. Here's a link to my story >>

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by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:02:29 PM

I'm so happy Bill Bentley is gone but I am curious, was this a matter of Quandre 'the giant' Diggs impressing or the Lions finally becoming fed up with Bentley's annual hiatus due to injury?

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:02:38 PM

Rookie Quandre Diggs has been quite impressive and that could have played into the decision to cut Bentley. Diggs and veteran Josh Wilson, who was signed as free agent, will battle for that nickel spot. Remember Bentley earned it out of camp last year but ripped up his knee in the regular season opener. Bentley is coming off ACL surgery and never was able to participate in team drills in this offseason including minicamp.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:04:40 PM

The Lions other rookie CB — Alex Carter — has been lining up on the outside.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:05:38 PM

Who do you think they are looking at for the tackle spot? Is there a trade possible?

by Larry6/18/2015 7:06:59 PM

They have a few options. I'd say LaAdrian Waddle is the top option for right tackle. He's coming back from ACL surgery and hasn't participated in offseason workouts. Cornelius Lucas is probably second and he's been hurt this week - we were told it's nothing major. With those two out Michael Williams (won converted from TE last year) and rookie Corey Robinson were getting reps at right tackle. There's always a trade possible, but I think they'll have to see how Waddle progresses. They are being REALLY cautious about not rushing guys back. Tulloch says he's fine but they have held him out of all team drills.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:09:26 PM

If you had to guess who emerges from camp as the team's 3rd wide receiver who would be your favorite between Moore, Fuller, Broyles and Jones?

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:09:39 PM

Great question. I will guess Fuller or Moore. Fuller has more upside because he's younger, but Moore is really good at getting separation and knows the offense. I think the wide receivers will have great competition in training camp.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:11:40 PM

They would never say it, but I think the coaching staff does not trust Broyles to remain healthy. He might stick as the 5th receiver.

by Larry6/18/2015 7:13:11 PM

Training camp is a huge test for Broyles and several others. They have given Broyles good reps, sometimes with the starters this week. He's also been returning kicks and punts along with Lance Moore, Ameer Abdullah and TJ Jones. It's going to be a battle for the fourth and fifth spots.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:14:27 PM

It's been reported the Lions attempted to claim Tim Wright the TE New England released not too long ago. Has there been any indication the team is discontent with their current stable of under-performing TEs?

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:14:35 PM

No, but they are not going to publicize that. Fauria is still coming off his ankle injury from last season. But he said on Wednesday that he's "pretty close" to 100 percent. Caldwell did say this week (when asked) that Ebron needs to be more consistent. When he has a good day in practice, he has to back it up with another good practice the next day. They brought in TE David Ausberry, a fifth-year guy from USC last week. They like good competition at every spot.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:17:16 PM

They only have 1 TE, Pettigrew. Fauria is a non blocking red zone target and Ebron is big slot receiver listed as TE

by Larry6/18/2015 7:17:23 PM

I'm not sure that's the way they look at it. But I understand what you mean. Ebron did improve some on his blocking last season, but he has a long way to go overall. Last year the goal was to use Fauria all over the field not just in the red zone, but he got hurt three weeks into the season. We will see.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:18:30 PM

One thing for sure taken away from the last few weeks is that RB Ameer Abdullah is impressive. That could change when they wear pads, but I think they made a smart choice with the second-round pick. He has good hands too.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:20:06 PM

Any indication who starts alongside Ngata week 1? I thought Walker was a shoe in but it looks as if they are handicapping the position for Reid. What's your take?

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:21:15 PM

I agree with you. I thought it would be Walker too. Now I think it will be a battle between Walker and Caraun Reid in training camp. Whoever gets the start, the other one will be in heavy rotation. They like to keep four guys going in and out.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:23:06 PM

I still did not like wasting a second on an RB, but I hope you are right.

by Larry6/18/2015 7:23:10 PM

You're going to have to trust me until you see him. Again, it's tough to judge RBs without pads but he's looking good. Also Joe Lombardi mentioned they didn't know he would be so good at catching the ball. So of course they're thrilled with that. With Joique Bell just watching, Abdullah has gotten tons of reps in the last few weeks.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:24:21 PM

Martin Mayhew is a Ryan Broyles cut away from having no one left from his 2010, 2011 and 2012 draft classes. His 2014 draft class underwhelmed with Freese being cut a few games into his career and the rest of the players not offering much. If the Lions are 8-8 or worse, is Mayhew gone? If not, why?

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:25:40 PM

It depends on the circumstances if they finish 8-8. Injuries could play a big role in that. IF they go 8-8, I do think there will be some discussion about Mayhew's future. I'm not sure that owner Martha Firestone Ford is as patient as her husband was.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:27:16 PM

I think RB was a huge need and if Gurley or Gordon had been available in Round 1 I think the Lions would have drafted either of them. I'm not sold on Ameer yet but there's reason to be optimistic.

by dmac930656/18/2015 7:27:24 PM

I like Todd Gurley too, but he is still not practicing with the Rams because of his injury from last fall. So there's that to consider. Abdullah had 4,588 career rushing yards at Nebraska against Big Ten defenses. He seems smart, motivated. We will see. But right now I think the Lions are quite happy with his production.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:29:43 PM

I read that Robinson is really poor against the speed rushers, not a good sign for a tackle

by Larry6/18/2015 7:29:55 PM

Corey Robinson is a seventh-round pick and it's early. I think when it shakes out he'll probably be on the practice squad this year. And remember the Lions O-line coaches excel at teaching and making guys better. The love his size - 6-7 and 324. They should have a chance to bring him along slowly.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:32:34 PM

If you ever wonder what the playlist is for practice, I put my Shazam to work today. Here's a little of what they listened to: “My Beat Bang” by Black Knight; “The Drop (Intro)” by Lecrae; “Nuthin” by Lecrae; “Super Bad (Parts 1 and 2)” by James Brown; “Hey Ya!: by Outkast; “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony featuring Kid Ink; and “The Monster” by Eminem featuring Rihanna.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:33:26 PM

Don't know if you've heard but John Bonamego, the Lions special teams coach who left to coach at Central Michigan, has announced he has tonsil cancer. He caught it early and it's treatable. Still a little scary. He plans to coach during the treatment.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:34:56 PM

Do you know if Drew Sharp is ill? He wrote a Lion's article that was positive and non critical.

by Larry6/18/2015 7:36:19 PM

Good one. I think Drew is fine. He was at practice today and he was here on Tuesday when we talked to owner Martha Firestone Ford. Maybe the 11-5 season convinced him that Caldwell has something good going on.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:37:36 PM

Any deep chart surprises in camp that might bump a veteran for for the 53 man?

by Larry6/18/2015 7:39:43 PM

I think it's still a little early. Well, we saw Bentley get cut earlier today. I don't see anything obvious at this point. But on final countdown day it seems like there are generally at least a few surprises. Last year was shocked they cut Darryl Tapp although they brought him back a few weeks later.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:41:50 PM

Is Calvin finally fully healthy?

by Larry6/18/2015 7:41:52 PM

I believe he is. Calvin talked to us today said he feels good. It's not just words. He participated fully at minicamp and looks good. He takes good care of his body and it looks like that ankle sprain is finally behind him.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:42:55 PM

Is Caraun Reid really showing potential to start? That sort of elevates last season’s draft if so, doesn’t it?

by Les6/18/2015 7:43:14 PM

Yes it does. Reid was a fifth-round pick in 2014. He worked really hard at strengthening his upper body. He learned from Ndamukong Suh which isn't a bad thing. He's smart and works hard. Look, I was surprised about this too. I wasn't even sure he'd be good enough to rotate in. But I believe he and Tyrunn Walker will battle to start beside Haloti Ngata.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:44:41 PM

How does the UDFA safety look? Could he make the 53 man on special teams? I know he is fast and can hit

by Larry6/18/2015 7:45:15 PM

Are you talking about Isaiah Johnson from Georgia Tech? He's certainly has shown flashes out on the field. If he can play solidly on special teams he will have a chance but he's got some big competiion - Don Carey, Abdul-Quddus, Nate Ness and Brian Suite. So we'll see Johnson could be a candidate for the practice squad.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:46:42 PM

I believe Calvin Johnson had a high ankle sprain. That isn’t a ‘body breaking down’ injury. It is an injury that lingers no matter who gets it and the only cure is rest.

by Les6/18/2015 7:46:44 PM

You are absolutely correct. I've heard coaches say it's almost better to have a broken foot than a high ankle sprain because it usually takes so long for them to heal. ... Calvin is in excellent shape. He's 29 but I believe he has some good NFL years left.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:47:52 PM

So the ‘poor’ 2004 draft now has at least (3) possible or probable starters and another major contributor in Webster—and that doesn’t even include Van Noy who will no doubt get on the field some.

by Les6/18/2015 7:48:04 PM

Yes, it's looking like the 2014 draft was a good one. It usually takes a while to determine this - you can't do it immediately after the draft although everyone tries. Yes, they'll have starters in Ebron, Swanson at center and maybe Reid at DT. Like you said, Van Noy will contribute. Also expect good things at DE from Larry Webster. TJ Jones has had a really good week of minicamp. And Nevin Lawson is still coming off his foot injury but they really liked him last year. That covers everyone but Freese.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:50:10 PM

That’s 2013 draft

by Les6/18/2015 7:50:16 PM

No it was 2014.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:50:27 PM

Mayhew should let ANYONE else choose the 2 round picks. It is like Krytonite to Mayhew.

by Larry6/18/2015 7:50:35 PM

He takes full responsibility for draft picks, but it's not like he does it alone. He's got quite a personnel group assembled and they also get advice from the coaching staff.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:51:27 PM

LOL—I’m all mixed up.

by Les6/18/2015 7:51:53 PM

It's easy to do. I have a chart on the wall at my desk listing draft picks from each year and still I sometimes get mixed up.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:52:16 PM

I think Slay turned out pretty good. I believe Abdullah is going to do well also.

by Les6/18/2015 7:53:17 PM

Slay had a great interception today on a pass from Stafford that was intended for Golden Tate. Stafford hasn't thrown many picks this week - Slay was all over that one. ... CB is one of most difficult positions to learn in NFL. He needed that rookie season just to learn. And Rashean Mathis has helped him big-time.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:54:47 PM

Did Fuller seem to improve his route running? I know he’ll make the team because he stretches the field but I’d like t see him more involved.

by Les6/18/2015 7:56:08 PM

It's a little hard to tell but Fuller has made some nice catches. I do think he'll make the 53-man roster. He really made huge strides last season.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:56:40 PM

I believe this years draft will turn out to be one of their best in 2 decades. I think Tomlinson, Wright,Ameer, Carter, Burton and Diggs will all eventually be starters.

by Larry6/18/2015 7:56:50 PM

You could be right on that. It won't all happen this year but could happen in next few years. Don't count out Robinson either - he could be a surprise.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:57:38 PM

I'm curious to see what fans think when they finally get to see Ameer. I KNOW they'll like Quandre Diggs.

by Paula Pasche 6/18/2015 7:59:19 PM

Thanks for all the great questions. Just like the players, we're going to shut down the chat for six weeks. The next chat will be at 3 p.m on Thursday, July 30. Players report to training camp on Aug. 2 and the first practice is Aug. 3. ... In the meantime I will be posting blogs daily M-F at OPLions.blogspot.com. Make sure not to miss them. Also follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Thanks for participating and have a great six weeks!!!